Not that this might help make your decision but i used to consider 3D a fad until I read an article about the processors in modern 3DTV's and how 3DTV's processors are gruntier than standard HDTV's so there was a theory that their menu's were snappier and general use smoother.

I could have been misled and can't recall where I read it. But it might be worth looking into it to see if there is any truth to it particularly for those models.

To begin with, the 5 series is only 50Hz, whereas the 6 series offers 100Hz panels, allowing the end user to tweak the settings to smooth out fast moving action / panning shots easily. Basically, some people like a smoother picture, other people don't like the effect offered by 100Hz TV's. Personally, I think my mother in-laws 50Hz LED is terrible, as the motion drives me nuts (I own a Neoplasma)... so I'd recommend a 100Hz set. But at that price, consider 100Hz offerings from Panasonic / LG too.

I am in the same market. I noticed the 2013 Sony models have gone away from the 'smart' functions and the ones I could find don't even include wi-fi (it's an extra dongle you have to purchase). Sitting next to the Samsung F5500 at the same price point I wondered why anyone would purchase the Sony....however a seemingly astute salesman informed me that Sony have put their R&D into the panel/picture development rather than 'bling' like on the Samsung. Not sure if thats true or not but it sounded feasible.

The choice seemingly was between a lesser panel with all the bells and whistles (Samsung) or the Equivalent Sony with an allegedly better image (it did look quite nice I must admit).

Something to perhaps think about. I had never thought of it that way as I always go for the bells and whistles. Needless to say I am still thinking.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

It does make sense that if you look at a certain price point, a TV without Smart-TV should have a better screen than a TV with Smart-TV. But it might also be that you are just seeing different setups of the same screen and are paying for the logo..

scuwp: I am in the same market. I noticed the 2013 Sony models have gone away from the 'smart' functions and the ones I could find don't even include wi-fi (it's an extra dongle you have to purchase). Sitting next to the Samsung F5500 at the same price point I wondered why anyone would purchase the Sony....however a seemingly astute salesman informed me that Sony have put their R&D into the panel/picture development rather than 'bling' like on the Samsung. Not sure if thats true or not but it sounded feasible.

The choice seemingly was between a lesser panel with all the bells and whistles (Samsung) or the Equivalent Sony with an allegedly better image (it did look quite nice I must admit).

Something to perhaps think about. I had never thought of it that way as I always go for the bells and whistles. Needless to say I am still thinking.

Personally I would buy sony anyday over samsung. Also consumer have a done a reliability survey on tv's and samsung didn't rate well. Sonys picture is good, and at the end of the day, that is the main thing that matters. Smart tv functions are just a gimmick, and even though my sony has these features, the hardware it is running on is too slow and clunk, and I never both with it.

I went for the lower spec panel on the Samsung to get the smart features. Found the smart menus way too slow and ditched them and use the HTPC which is attached to it. If you have a PC attached go for the best panel.

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

Almost every 2013 smart TV can do that now... something that isn't mentioned often, but it's certainly quite a cool feature. Then again... I use a MacMini as a HTPC and I can do it through the Plex Home Theatre Beta (Airplay video + audio), so, again, I'd always recommend plugging in a computer / media box to a TV, rather than buying a TV and hoping it will be a substitute for a HTPC.

We also have a NAS, LG HT sound system, WD Live, xbox 360 and foxtel (sky) plugged into it. I couldn't be bothered with a PC plugged in - been there done that, spent ages with EPG and assorted other BS getting it right. Still easier sharing pics, videos and youtube from the phone to the TV without having to turn on something else. The TV was $1099 6 months ago.

EDIT:If I win the mac mini I'm eyeing up on ebay, I still wont make it a HTPC ;P

I bought the exact same TV after looking at the better specced models but couldn't see the value.It really is a great TV, we wanted Freeview HD, built in wifi, etc, but not bothered about 3D, or the voice/gesture controls.We've had the tv about 2 weeks now and used the TVNZ ondemand app more than I thought we would, it's not bad and never buffers. We've also used the in built PVR a few times too, handy if you haven't got a Tivo or MySky. You can only record one channel and while recording only watch that channel or others on the same Mux (eg. watch TV2 while recording TV1). We also use the Plex app to view any videos we have on a Mac in another room (good for kids tv/films).So if you want just a TV in your room, and not a tv with loads of other boxes connected to it each with their own remotes then this is a great TV to get.If you have any questions about the actual TV, ask away.

The Plex app is in its favour - LG have dropped Plex support for 2013 TV's it would seem... Samsung actually have a dedicated analogue audio output this year, so their usefulness has gone up in my estimation somewhat. However, don't choose a TV on the features, choose it on the picture quality (both BluRay and broadcast) and on the audio performance... if you're not running it through a H/Theatre receiver. Try putting the 5 and 6 series Samsung's side-by-side and demo'ing them, then compare the winner against another brand and see what one works for you.

Hmmm, hold that thought as the sound quality is dreadful.Really tinny with next to no bass on any of the presets and you can't seem to adjust them enough to get acceptable sound. Might have to go back to the original choice as DSE have that for $998 today!